took keen hold, tracked leaders, led 4th and settled better in front, not fluent and headed 4 out, led again before last, clear towards finish
led until 4th, led again 4 out, headed before last, no impression towards finish
soon lost touch
tracked leader until 3rd, ridden after 9th, struggling 9th, well beaten 4 out
DARWINS FOX won over a similar trip at Leicester in March before finishing an honourable sixth in the Foxhunters’ at Aintree. He didn’t quite run up to that form when fourth at Cork subsequently but looks a class above these. Can Mestret is the only other worthy of a mention and did win this in 2015, though hasn’t scored since.
Darwins Fox (FR) 7-4 (11-8) Held up towards rear, improved to lead after 4th, 6 lengths clear halfway, reduced advantage 4 out, headed and dropped to 3rd before 2 out where mistake, no extra, 4th of 7, 21 1/4l behind Sizing Solution (11-4) at Cork 2m 4f gd in Apr.
Can Mestret (IRE) 5-2 (12-0) A.p; ev ch 15; no ex 2 out, 3rd of 14, 5l behind Mr Syntax (12-0) at Garthorpe 3m gd in Apr.
Saqil (USA) 33-1 (12-0) (tt) prom to 9; t.o, 4th of 6, dist behind Never Complain (12-5) at Mollington 2m 4f gd in May.
Vering (FR) 16-1 (12-0) Prom to 12; 4th & wkng when fell 15, at Parham 3m gf in Apr.
